Jo Giles from Western Australia, has been crowned the 2024 Australian Poetry Slam Champion at the National Final held at the Sydney Opera House on Sunday 13 October.
Giles captivated the audience with a powerful and rousing performance, sharing a deeply personal story about the painful and humorous sides of undergoing a transplant. With a dry wit and a no-holds-barred approach, she delivered a poem that powerfully blended raw pain with dark humour.
The Australian Poetry Slam, the country’s largest spoken word prize, culminates in a showdown of the top 16 poets from across the nation, all vying for the coveted title. Over the past six months, poets from across Australia have competed in heats and state finals, each vying for a place in the National Final. The 2024 Australian Poetry Slam brought together a diverse range of voices, from seasoned veterans to emerging talents. As this year’s champion, Giles will embark on a national and international tour, including performances at prestigious festivals such as the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival and the Singapore Writers Festival.
Miles Merrill, Creative Director of Word Travels, said “Jo’s performance was a perfect example of how spoken word can turn personal stories into universal experiences. Her ability to make us laugh, reflect, and feel deeply is why the Australian Poetry Slam exists. It was a bittersweet night. We had a sold out event but we’ve lost a big chunk of funding this year and are concerned the slam might not go ahead next year. We’re on the hunt for a patron to support our efforts with Jo and other incredible writers who participate in our slams.”
The Australian Poetry Slam is a celebration of live storytelling, showcasing Australia’s rich literary landscape. Story Week 2024, which hosted the National Final, brought together hundreds of participants from around the nation, underscoring the power of shared stories to create connection and spark conversation.
For more information about the Australian Poetry Slam, visit: www.australianpoetryslam.com